My husband Nate and I had to do the hardest thing a furbaby parent could do and put our rescue baby, Arya, down to rest. She was diagnosed with mast cell cancer 6 months ago. We tried chemo and radiation but it was just too aggressive so we made the call. Our sweet girl is no longer in pain or discomfort, and that brings us joy and relief in knowing that. But it definitely didn’t make it any easier when the time came.
Arya was almost 11, and we had rescued her when she was 9 months. She provided us with so many laughs, smiles, and so much joy. We will never forget our sweet memories together. She was there with us when we got married and delivered our rings down the aisle, she traveled with us across the nation from Kentucky to Philly to the Great Salt lake and finally to the mountains of Denver. She taught us patience, understanding, and unconditional love. But most importantly, she taught us how to be a mommy and a daddy. 
She was a sassy pants through and through and was always the most stubborn, which made us smile most of the time. She loved cheeseburgers (or any food really!), blankets and pillows (the comfort queen!), and any time spent with balls. Lots and lots of balls. Especially Mr Jolly, the huge plastic ball (1ft diameter) we kept outside for her to pop up like a seal! She enjoyed leisurely strolls around the neighborhood filled with all kinds of sniffs and tail wags. She also couldn’t resist bubble wrap or any present or package she could get her paws on. Because you know, everything was for her of course! She was easiest doggy we could have asked for. Her playful, loving energy and spirit will always be with us.
I can’t say enough about how wonderful it was to work with Caring Pathways and Dr. Steve. Arya was able to hobble up to him and greet one last time with a wagging tail as a good doggy would, and then went to lay back down and closed her eyes. That was the calmest and most relaxed we had seen her all week. She knew she was ready, and Dr. Steve was there for her. He was so compassionate with her, sending her love and light through his calm and gentle touch. And that gave us much comfort in knowing she was in great hands. Caring pathways also provides a lot of grief support and sympathy. Thank you so much CP and Dr. Steve! From the bottom of our hearts.
“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”
~Winnie the Pooh
Until next time baby girl. Mommy and daddy love you so much!
Arya Spitz
7/10/2010-3/11/21